As the parent of a student making plans to study abroad, you're no doubt concerned, and have numerous questions you need answered in order to feel comfortable allowing your child to embark on this life-changing adventure. While you want to give your child the opportunity to enjoy a study abroad experience, it's your job as a parent to help him or her choose the right program and to ensure your child's safety while studying in that distant country.

That being said, before allowing your student to depart, make sure you ask all the right people all the right questions. This article will help explain how.

In short, you will need to question--

• Yourself -- about what more you need to know about studying abroad;
• Your child -- about what he or she expects to gain from studying abroad;
• The Study Abroad Adviser -- about how you and your student can select the best program; and
• The Program Administrator -- about the exact nature of the particular study abroad experience, and what resources will be available to your child.

Ask Yourself
Sending students to study abroad requires parents to let go to a certain extent, which can often be difficult to do. Begin with the questions you must ask yourself.

• Parents of study abroad students should ask themselves how they will handle having their child overseas.
  • How do you picture your child studying abroad?
  • What do you anticipate your conversations to be like when they are overseas?
• Parents must reflect on their child's personality and how well he or she will adapt to being so far away from home.
• You will want to consider which type of program is best for your student.
  • This involves questions about the length of time he or she will spend abroad, the destination country he or she will choose and the academic benefits of studying abroad.
• What do you expect of the study abroad program, your student and the study abroad experience?
• One of the most important questions to ask yourself is if you can afford to send your student abroad.
  • You will want to look into any scholarships which may be available for your student through the school or study abroad program.
  • You may also find that your student's current financial aid can be applied to his or her time studying abroad.

Ask Your Student
Parents should ask their students what their values, goals and expectations are regarding studying abroad. Parents worry about their children when they are living under their own roof, let alone when they travel overseas for an extended period of time.

• Ask them what they want to study overseas and where and when they want to study.
• Ask them why they want to study overseas and what they believe the benefits will be.
  • There are personal and academic benefits to be addressed.
  • Ask your students how the programs they are considering will fit their needs and desires.
  • When it comes to studying abroad, parents should sit their students down and weigh the pros and cons.
• Safety is always an importance issue for parents, but studying abroad takes this importance to another level.
  • Ask your students what they would do in any situation in which their safety may be at risk.
  • Go over the worst-case scenarios-it is unlikely that anything will actually occur, but having a solid conversation with your student about safety will put your mind at ease.
• Ask your students about how they will live and behave responsibly once abroad.
  • Responsibility is a crucial topic on many levels, as students will be required to manage not only their safety, but their finances, communication with home and the balance of academics and leisure time.
• Does your student plan on making side trips?
  • With whom will he or she take these side trips?
• How you and your student will maintain contact while he or she is gone is an important subject to discuss.
  • The program administrators can likely help you with this.
• Devise a plan for international calling, e-mail or other types of correspondence that will keep you in touch with your student overseas.

Ask the Adviser
Advisers can help you and your student determine which program is the right fit. Parents should ask advisers questions about the type, structure, duration and location of the program in which your student is interested. Advisers can also educate you on the roles of the U.S. Consulate, local police and university officials.

• Is the program more of a "party" program, or does it focus on academics or cultural immersion?
  • Advisers can give you an idea of the program's reputation and they may be able to put you in contact with students who have participated in the program before.
  • They may also be able to introduce you to the parents of former study abroad students willing to share their experience.
• Address any safety or health concerns you may have regarding your student's study abroad experience.
• Ask the adviser about safety issues that are different from the ones your student faces domestically.
• Find out what resources and help are available for students who experience trouble abroad.
• Inquire about whether your student will receive full credit for the classes he or she takes during the study abroad experience.
  • Inquire about whether your student will receive full credit for the classes he or she takes during the study abroad experience.
• Ask if your student must understand the native language of his or her destination and if any courses are taught in English.
• Parents should ask advisers to detail the application and admission process in order to ensure that all paperwork and expenses have been paid on time.
• Advisers can also give you a good idea of what the program expenses include and what type of facilities and resources will be provided by the program.

Ask the Program Administrator
Parents can also pose questions to the administrators of the study abroad program itself. This is especially important if the program your student has chosen is not one designed by his or her home college.

• Ask the administrators about the program structure, living arrangements, orientation and support services.
• Program administrators can educate parents about the health and wellness resources provided as well as safety and responsibility issues and travel arrangements.
• Ask program administrators to shed light on the financial aspects of your student's study abroad experience.
  • Find out exactly what you are paying for through the program and what other money your student will need while abroad.
  • Find out if the program may have more than one payment option.
• Administrators can also tell you what type of insurance is necessary and available to your student, as well as any immunizations that are required.
• Find out if the study abroad program has any G.P.A. requirements and ask about the academic environment your student will be entering.
• Should your child fall ill or have an accident overseas, you will want to know who is responsible for your student while abroad. Ask the administrators to provide you with any contact information you will need.
• Parents should ask program administrators how they can keep in touch with their student while abroad.
  • This can include e-mail addresses, fax numbers and emergency numbers provided by the program.
  • You may also want to ask what consequences present themselves if your student decides to return home earlier than originally planned.

Much to be Considered
As you can see, there are many questions to be addressed when your student wishes to study abroad. It is natural for parents to ask plenty of questions when considering trusting others with the well-being of their child while studying abroad. When it comes to passports and visas, either your student's adviser or a program administrator can educate you on what type of documentation your child needs and when he or she needs it.

There is a wealth of help out there for parents whose children are planning to study abroad. Once you get the answers to your question, you and your student can make an informed decision. Studying abroad can be an amazing global experience that can enhance your student's skills and prepare him or her for a successful career. With the right program and preparation your student will be ready for the experience of a lifetime. And he or she will thank you!

Here are some resources which may be of help:

National Association of International Educators (NAFSA): http://www.nafsa.org
       (NAFSA can provide information on program reputation)
U.S. State Department Consular Affairs: http://travel.state.gov
       (Provides visa and safety information)
U.S. State Department Passport Information:
http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html